FORT ST. JOHN -- Fort St. John city council is hoping to opt out of the carbon tax and new rental act.
Councillor Trevor Bolin recommended the city send a letter from the mayor to Premier David Eby’s office. The matter was discussed at the November 14th meeting.
Bolin says northern winters cost residents more than other parts of the province. The letter aims to express the importance of temporary housing for local oil and gas workers. He says the city would struggle to house those working in the energy sector.
He also expressed the need for temporary housing options for those coming to the city for medical visits and in times of emergency. He says there are already limited options for residents who need a hotel to stay at.
“We provide everything for everybody, their forestry, everything. I don't think it's too much to ask for the premier, the ministers, to level the playing field and say, this is one thing we can do for the north,” says Bolin.
Mayor Lilia Hansen will be signing and sending a letter to the province. Bolin also encouraged residents to get involved by reaching out to local MPs and MLAs to express their concerns.
“All we're simply asking is for us to get the same treatment as they get everywhere else.”
